Barbacoas Bridge

The Barbacoas Bridge: This infrastructure was an integral part of the original Panama Railroad, a significant engineering achievement of the 19th century. It was built over the Chagres River, approximately 37 kilometers from Colón, between Tabernilla and San Pablo. The name "Barbacoas" comes from an Indigenous term meaning "bridge." Initially made of wood, it was later reconstructed with wrought iron to withstand the frequent and extreme flooding of the river.

The bridge was over 300 feet long and stood approximately 40 feet above the river, supported by stone pillars. Numerous challenges were faced during its construction, such as floods that could raise the river level by up to 40 feet in a single night—conditions that endangered both the workers and the structure. A notable incident occurred in 1879 when heavy rains caused a major flood that damaged the bridge and rendered it temporarily unusable. Although it was repaired, this event highlighted the ongoing difficulties posed by Panama's tropical environment.

The Barbacoas Bridge remained a crucial part of the railroad until the early 20th century. During the relocation of the railway to accommodate the construction of the Panama Canal, the bridge was dismantled, and its location was submerged under the waters of Gatun Lake, which was created for the operation of the Panama Canal.